The invention relates to a vehicle frame comprising first and second parallel frame rails and multiple cross-members connecting the frame rails, wherein the vehicle frame has at least one cross-member with an integrated fluid tank. The at least one cross-member and fluid tank comprises an intermediate tank section with open end portions, where each end portion comprises a sealing flange; tank end caps attachable to seal opposite end portions of the intermediate tank section; wherein each end cap comprises an end cap sealing flange facing a corresponding tank sealing flange at opposite end portions of the intermediate tank; and wherein each tank end cap is provided with a mounting plate facing away from the intermediate tank section, which mounting plate is arranged to be attached to a frame rail.

The invention relates to a vehicle frame comprising first and second parallel frame rails and multiple cross-members connecting the frame rails, wherein the vehicle frame has at least one cross-member with an integrated fluid tank. The at least one cross-member and fluid tank comprises an intermediate tank section with open end portions, where each end portion comprises a sealing flange; tank end caps attachable to seal opposite end portions of the intermediate tank section; wherein each end cap comprises an end cap sealing flange facing a corresponding tank sealing flange at opposite end portions of the intermediate tank; and wherein each tank end cap is provided with a mounting plate facing away from the intermediate tank section, which mounting plate is arranged to be attached to a frame rail.

A method for manufacturing a pressure vessel for a motor vehicle comprises the steps: providing a hollow basic body as a primary stage of the pressure vessel, wherein the basic body has an initial internal volume, and wherein the basic body has a wall, which extends fully around a longitudinal axis of the basic body, wherein the wall has an opening, which has an opening rim; providing a hollow auxiliary body, which has a base wall and a peripheral wall, wherein the peripheral wall is open on a side lying opposite the base wall; joining the auxiliary body with the basic body at the opening in the wall of the basic body, such that the pressure vessel having a desired final internal volume which is larger or smaller than the initial internal volume of the basic body is obtained. In addition, such a pressure vessel in the form of an air suspension pot of a suspension is described.

A method for manufacturing a pressure vessel for a motor vehicle comprises the steps: providing a hollow basic body as a primary stage of the pressure vessel, wherein the basic body has an initial internal volume, and wherein the basic body has a wall, which extends fully around a longitudinal axis of the basic body, wherein the wall has an opening, which has an opening rim; providing a hollow auxiliary body, which has a base wall and a peripheral wall, wherein the peripheral wall is open on a side lying opposite the base wall; joining the auxiliary body with the basic body at the opening in the wall of the basic body, such that the pressure vessel having a desired final internal volume which is larger or smaller than the initial internal volume of the basic body is obtained. In addition, such a pressure vessel in the form of an air suspension pot of a suspension is described.

A vehicle suspension is disclosed having a hydraulic actuator, a cylinder, a piston mounted inside the cylinder dividing the cylinder into a compression chamber and an extension chamber, and a supply hydraulic circuit connected to the actuator to supply the compression chamber and the extension chamber with working fluid. The supply hydraulic circuit includes a high-pressure line connected to a delivery port of a hydraulic pump, a low-pressure line connected to a suction port of the pump, a spool valve connected to the compression and extension chambers of the actuator and to the high-pressure line and to the low-pressure line to put the chambers of the actuator in communication with the lines of the supply hydraulic circuit, and a first pressure accumulator connected to the high-pressure line . The spool valve connects the compression chamber and/or the extension chamber of the actuator with the high-pressure line.

A vehicle suspension is disclosed having a hydraulic actuator, a cylinder, a piston mounted inside the cylinder dividing the cylinder into a compression chamber and an extension chamber, and a supply hydraulic circuit connected to the actuator to supply the compression chamber and the extension chamber with working fluid. The supply hydraulic circuit includes a high-pressure line connected to a delivery port of a hydraulic pump, a low-pressure line connected to a suction port of the pump, a spool valve connected to the compression and extension chambers of the actuator and to the high-pressure line and to the low-pressure line to put the chambers of the actuator in communication with the lines of the supply hydraulic circuit, and a first pressure accumulator connected to the high-pressure line . The spool valve connects the compression chamber and/or the extension chamber of the actuator with the high-pressure line.

A spring-absorber system for a wheel suspension of a motor vehicle includes a suspension spring with a spring constant k.sub.T and an absorber filled with a fluid and mounted in parallel to the suspension spring. The spring-absorber system also includes at least two additional spring modules via which a total spring constant k.sub.G of the spring-absorber system can be varied.

A method and system for operating pneumatic suspension system including a plurality of air springs changing a ride height of the motor vehicle by the supply and extraction of compressed air, at least two first axle air springs, and two second axle air springs, an air spring valve, a first and further changeover valve are arranged in a compressed air path, an additional accumulator valve, the second compressed air path is connected to the first compressed air path via a third compressed air path in which a connecting valve is provided, for simultaneous adjustment of the ride height of the vehicle on both axles, the air spring valves, and the first and the further changeover valves and the additional accumulator valve are opened at the same time while the connecting valve remains closed.

A method and system for operating pneumatic suspension system including a plurality of air springs changing a ride height of the motor vehicle by the supply and extraction of compressed air, at least two first axle air springs, and two second axle air springs, an air spring valve, a first and further changeover valve are arranged in a compressed air path, an additional accumulator valve, the second compressed air path is connected to the first compressed air path via a third compressed air path in which a connecting valve is provided, for simultaneous adjustment of the ride height of the vehicle on both axles, the air spring valves, and the first and the further changeover valves and the additional accumulator valve are opened at the same time while the connecting valve remains closed.

An electric vehicle comprises: a main battery which is disposed under the floor of a vehicle interior; a front seat which is provided for a front part of the vehicle interior; a front housing chamber which is formed under a seating surface of the front seat; and an air-suspension device including an air spring which is made to expand and contract by air pressure, an air compressor which compresses air, and one or more first surge tanks which store high-pressure air or low-pressure air, in which the first surge tanks and the air compressor are disposed in a front housing chamber.